Education

Recognizing the importance of education to Alcorn County and its citizens, The Alliance helps students advance their educations through three targeted programs.

Mississippi Scholars

Because students who take more challenging courses in high school are better prepared for college and the workplace, the goal of the Mississippi Scholars program is to encourage students to choose more rigorous courses of study.

To increase awareness and involvement in the program, The Alliance trains over 75 volunteers from the business community to go into classrooms each year and make presentations to all students in grades 8 through 11. The presentations are timed to reach students just before they make their class choices for the coming year.

Students who complete the program are recognized at graduation and through an academic awards program. They also receive a Mississippi Scholars seal on their transcripts and diplomas. The Alliance works with the CARE Foundation to give scholarships to four Mississippi Scholars who graduate from the Corinth or Alcorn County school districts each year.

Corinth to College

The Corinth to College program was created to increase the number of high school graduates choosing to attend college. Program volunteers support the students by

• tutoring them to prepare for success on the ACT test
• providing transportation and meals if needed for students traveling to take the ACT test
• conducting a FAFSA night at which students and their parents get help completing this challenging financial aid form
• taking prospective students on tours of college campuses to get a glimpse of college life
• serving as college coaches to help students opt for college and overcome any hurdles they encounter.

The program is funded by a grant from the Mississippi Higher Education Initiative and is conducted in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission, Mississippi State University, Corinth High School, and Project Attention.

NEMCC Tuition Waiver

Students who graduate from Corinth or Alcorn County districts’ high schools can attend Northeast Mississippi Community College (NEMCC) tuition free, thanks to funding from Alcorn County. Although The Alliance does not have a direct role in the program, staff members and volunteers help make participants of other educational programs aware of this valuable support for their continuing education. Learn more about the free tuition program.